“Our aim is that 10 years after the tour visits Yorkshire, the county will still feel the benefits of the event.”

He went on to say that he hopes the Tour de France will inspire people to get out on their bikes more.

Mr Verity said he hopes to introduce bike hire systems into cities across the county and make it possible that every child in the county has access to a bike and bicycle training.

The first day of The Grand Depart will finish at the Stray in Harrogate. Leader of Harrogate Borough Council Coun Anthony Alton said: “Harrogate is a tourist town and this will really put Harrogate on the map.

“It will make so much difference to the economy, for Harrogate perhaps the legacy will be that Harrogate’s tourist industry as a conference town will benefit for years to come.”

In addition to the Tour de France event itself, Welcome to Yorkshire plan to host a 100 day arts festival across the county in conjunction with the Arts Council.

Cluny Macpherson, Yorkshire regional director for Arts Council England said he looks forward to showcasing Yorkshire’s culutral life. He said: “Yorkshire boasts world-renowned playwrights like Sir Alan Ayckbourn and John Godber, museums of international importance, and the best brass bands in the world. Not forgetting it is also the birthplace of modern sculpture through Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore.

“The cultural festival will show-off these assets as well as giving artists and communities the opportunity to create new artworks and to join in the celebrations.”

The Tour de France has a worldwide television audience of 3.5 billion people, something MP for Ripon and Skipton Julian Smith feels can be used to promote the region to potential tourists.

He said: “This opportunity to promote where we live to tourists, and where we work to businesses, is too good to miss.

“Skipton, Ripon, Upper Wharfedale, and Masham will all benefit massively from this event and will give the Tour de France a great welcome.”

Mr Smith added: “In the coming months, I will be travelling the route the Tour de France will take on a special Doorstep Tour and working with communities and businesses to make sure we explore every opportunity for promoting and showcasing our area to a worldwide audience.”